Is “As Per” Correct in English? (Per vs As Per) – 2026 Guide

Have you ever wondered if saying “as per” is really correct in English? You’re not alone! Many people see it in emails, reports, and official letters but aren’t sure if it’s proper English. 

In this guide, we’ll break it down in simple, easy-to-understand terms, show you the difference between “per” and “as per”, and give you real-life examples to help you write confidently and sound natural. 

By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use it, when to skip it, and what modern alternatives make your writing smoother.

Understanding the Phrase “As Per”

If you’ve ever written a formal email, report, or notice, you’ve probably typed “as per” without thinking twice. It appears everywhere — office memos, legal documents, academic writing, and even casual workplace chats. But here’s the question many English learners and professionals still ask:

Is “as per” actually correct English, or is it just accepted jargon?

The short answer is yes, it is grammatically correct, but it’s also often overused and sometimes unnecessary. Understanding when and how to use it makes all the difference.

This guide breaks everything down in simple terms, compares “per” vs “as per”, shows real-life examples, and helps you sound more natural and confident in 2026 and beyond.

What Does “As Per” Mean?

The phrase “as per” means:

• According to
• In accordance with
• Following
• Based on

It’s mainly used to refer to a rule, instruction, request, document, or agreement.

Example:

As per your instructions, the report has been submitted.

Here, “as per” simply means “according to your instructions.”

Is “As Per” Grammatically Correct?

Yes, “as per” is grammatically correct in standard English. It combines:

• as (meaning “in the way that”)
• per (a Latin-based preposition meaning “according to”)

Together, they form a phrase that reinforces reference or compliance.

However, many modern style guides point out that “as per” is often redundant because “per” alone already means “according to.”

That’s why editors and native speakers often prefer simpler alternatives.

Why “As Per” Sounds Awkward to Some Native Speakers

While correct, “as per” can sound stiff or overly formal, especially in everyday writing. In casual contexts, it may feel:

• Too bureaucratic
• Old-fashioned
• Unnecessarily complex

Example:
❌ As per my last email, please see the attachment.
✔ As mentioned in my last email, please see the attachment.

The second version sounds more natural and human.

“Per” vs “As Per”: What’s the Difference?

Aspect	Per	As Per
Meaning	According to	According to / following
Formality	Neutral to formal	More formal
Length	Shorter, cleaner	Slightly wordy
Modern usage	Preferred	Acceptable but dated
Tone	Direct	Bureaucratic

Key takeaway:
👉 “Per” is usually enough on its own.

Correct Usage of “Per” in English

“Per” works well when referring to:

• Rules and policies
• Rates and measurements
• Instructions
• Official references

Examples:

• Per company policy, remote work is allowed.
• The cost is $10 per item.
• Per your request, the meeting was rescheduled.

Notice how “per” keeps the sentence short and professional.

When Is “As Per” Appropriate?

Despite criticism, “as per” still has its place, especially in:

• Legal documents
• Contracts and agreements
• Government notices
• Very formal business communication

Example:

As per Clause 4.2 of the agreement, payment must be made within 30 days.

In such contexts, precision and formality matter more than conversational tone.

When You Should Avoid “As Per”

Avoid “as per” when:

• Writing casually
• Communicating with clients or teams informally
• Trying to sound friendly or approachable
• Writing blogs, articles, or creative content

Better alternatives usually sound smoother.

Natural Alternatives to “As Per”

Here are clear, modern substitutes you can use instead:

Alternative	Example
According to	According to the schedule, the event starts at 9.
As mentioned	As mentioned earlier, the deadline is Friday.
Based on	Based on your feedback, we made changes.
Following	Following your request, we updated the file.
In line with	In line with company policy, leave was approved.

These options feel less stiff and more human.

Common Grammar Mistakes with “As Per”

Many learners misuse “as per” in casual or incorrect structures.

❌ As per I told you yesterday…
✔ As I told you yesterday…

❌ As per the weather is bad…
✔ Since the weather is bad…

Rule to remember:
👉 “As per” must always be followed by a noun, instruction, or reference — not a full clause.

“As Per” in British vs American English

Both British and American English understand the phrase, but usage differs slightly.

• British English: More accepting in formal writing
• American English: Often prefers cleaner alternatives

In modern American business writing, “per” or “according to” is far more common.

Is “As Per” Old-Fashioned?

Not exactly old-fashioned — but it does feel dated in modern communication. Many editors now treat it as:

• Redundant
• Wordy
• Overly formal

That doesn’t make it wrong — just less preferred.

Real-Life Usage Examples

Formal:

As per the agreement, the services will commence next month.

Neutral:

Per the agreement, the services will commence next month.

Casual:

As agreed, the services will start next month.

Notice how meaning stays the same, but tone changes.

Idioms and Fixed Expressions Related to “Per”

• Per se – by itself
  The idea isn’t wrong per se.
• Per diem – per day
  Employees receive a per diem allowance.

These are standard Latin-based expressions still widely used.

Synonym Comparison Table

Phrase	Formality	Best Use Case
As per	High	Legal, contracts
Per	Medium	Business, policies
According to	Neutral	General writing
As mentioned	Casual	Emails, blogs
Based on	Neutral	Analysis, feedback

How to Sound More Natural in 2026

To write modern, fluent English:

• Prefer shorter phrases
• Avoid unnecessary formality
• Match tone to context
• Use “as per” sparingly

Clarity beats tradition every time.

FAQs

Is “as per” wrong in English?
No. It’s grammatically correct but often unnecessary.

Is “per” better than “as per”?
Yes. In most cases, “per” is cleaner and more modern.

Can I use “as per” in emails?
You can, but simpler alternatives sound friendlier.

Do native speakers still use “as per”?
Yes, mainly in formal or legal contexts.

What’s the best replacement for “as per”?
“According to” or “as mentioned” works in most situations.

Conclusion

“As per” is correct English, but correctness alone doesn’t guarantee good writing. In 2026, clear, natural, and human language matters more than rigid formality.

Use “as per” when precision and tradition are required. In most everyday situations, choose simpler, friendlier alternatives. Your writing will feel smoother, more confident, and easier to read — exactly what modern English demands.